The beloved comedian is starring in Tamika Miller’s film Undercard
BY ELLA GAUCI, IMAGE BY SEISMIC RELEASING
Wanda Sykes is starring as a butch former boxing champion in her latest film – yes, we are going absolutely mental over this one.
Making her drama debut, Wanda will be starring as Cheryl “No Mercy” Stewart in Tamika Miller’s new film Undercard. In this new drama, Cheryl, a former boxing champion turned coach, is learning to navigate life in recovery from alcoholism. She’s also trying to make amends with her estranged son and look after her late sister’s child, Meeka. Oh, and she’s also getting into a blossoming romance with tattoo artist Mariana. In short, this film has a lot to love.
Speaking to Them, Wanda said: “When I met with [Tamika], I asked her, ‘So, Queen Latifah said no?’ And she was like, ‘No, no, I’ve always wanted you for this role.’ We discussed it and she convinced me that I could do it. I love the script. And meeting Tamika really sold me on it.”
Wanda also revealed that she spent a considerable amount of time training in the ring for Undercard. She had to learn both how to box and how to become a trainer.
Queerness is an important thread in this film. Wanda told Them: “I’ve played gay characters on TV shows before. But on film, yeah, I think this is the first one. Of course, I’m comfortable in that role. It was nice to be able to play that, to give Cheryl another level that she is looking for someone, that she can be vulnerable, that even though the things around her are a mess, she wants that.”
Earlier this year, Wanda went viral for accepting an award on behalf of Ricky Gervais at the Golden Globes. In her speech, she dedicated it to the trans community. Talking about this moment, Wanda told Them: “It was just a joke, but we know I was also making a statement also to show my love and support to the trans community. I don’t know Ricky personally, but I’m pretty sure if he saw it, he probably got a kick out of it, too.”
Undercard also stars Bentley Green, Roselyn Sánchez, Berto Colón, Estella Kahiha, Xavier Mills, and William Stanford Davis.
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